Podcasts about Eternal Kingdom

Welcome to Day 2951 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain and today is Day 2951 – Theology Thursday – A Foretaste of Eternity: Worship and Relics in Orthodox Christianity Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2951 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2951 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found his lessons short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who want to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons are available on his website, theologyinfive.com. Today's episode is:  A Foretaste of Eternity: Worship and Relics in Orthodox Christianity. At the heart of Orthodox Christianity lies a profoundly sacramental vision of reality, one in which worship does not merely recall past events or anticipate future fulfillment but draws the faithful into the living presence of God. Orthodox spirituality understands the Church's rites as encounters with eternity, moments where heaven and earth overlap and the constraints of ordinary time are set aside. This conviction shapes the entire liturgical life of the Church, from the Divine Liturgy to the veneration of relics, both of which testify to the belief that the Kingdom of God is not only awaited but actively entered through worship. Orthodoxy does not treat sacred rites as symbolic gestures meant to stimulate memory or emotion. Instead, the Church understands worship as participation in divine realities that exist beyond chronological time. When believers gather, they are not reenacting sacred history but stepping into it. This perspective is grounded in the biblical distinction between chronos, measured and sequential time, and kairos, the appointed moment of God's decisive action. In Orthodox worship, kairos breaks into chronos, allowing the faithful to encounter the eternal now of God's kingdom. The first segment is: Liturgical Time and the Reality of Kairos. The Orthodox Church views liturgical time as fundamentally different from ordinary time. While daily life moves forward in linear progression, the liturgy unfolds as an entry into God's eternal present. This is why Orthodox services are saturated with language that collapses past, present, and future into a single act of worship. The Church does not merely remember Christ's saving work but proclaims it as a present and active reality. This understanding is deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly in passages that describe heavenly worship as ongoing and unceasing. The book of Revelation does not portray heaven as waiting for history to conclude before worship begins. Instead, it reveals a realm where praise is already underway and where redeemed humanity already stands before God, even while the full restoration of all things is not yet complete. Orthodox worship understands itself as a participation in that same heavenly liturgy, not a symbolic imitation of it. The second segment is: The Divine Liturgy as Heavenly Worship. Nowhere is this eternal perspective more fully expressed than in the Divine Liturgy, the central act of Orthodox worship. The Liturgy is not approached as a service observed from a distance but as an act in which the faithful actively participate. The Church gathers with the conviction that it stands before God alongside the angels and the saints, offering praise that transcends earthly limitations. This is why Orthodox churches are intentionally designed to reflect heaven rather than accommodate modern efficiency. Icons, incense, chant, and ritual movement are not aesthetic additions but theological statements. They proclaim that worship is not confined to the material world and that the senses themselves are drawn into the experience of eternity. When the Liturgy begins, the Church does not imagine heaven but enters into its worship. The third segment is: The Eucharist and the Eternal Sacrifice of Christ. At the heart of the Divine Liturgy stands the Eucharist, which most clearly embodies the Orthodox understanding of time and eternity. The Eucharist is not treated as a symbolic reminder of Christ's sacrifice, nor as a repetition of it. Orthodox theology holds that Christ's sacrifice is once for all, complete and unrepeatable, yet eternally present before the Father. In the Eucharist, the Church is brought into that eternal offering. The faithful do not travel back in time to the Last Supper, nor do they merely recall the crucifixion and resurrection. Instead, they participate in the timeless reality of Christ's self-offering, which stands outside historical sequence. This is why the Eucharist is spoken of as a mystery, not because it is vague or irrational, but because it transcends the categories of ordinary experience. The fourth segment is: The Communion of Saints Beyond Time. The Orthodox understanding of worship also reshapes the Church's view of the communion of saints. The Church is not divided between the living and the departed, nor fractured by centuries of history. All who are in Christ are alive in Him, and all worship together as one body. This unity is not poetic language but a lived reality expressed every time the Church gathers for prayer. In Orthodox services, the saints are not treated as distant figures from the past but as present members of the worshiping community. Their hymns are sung, their intercessions are invoked, and their lives are held up as evidence that the victory of Christ over death is already at work. This reinforces the conviction that the Church's worship transcends time and that believers participate in a fellowship that stretches across centuries without losing its unity. The fifth segment is: Relics as Witnesses to the Eternal Kingdom. The veneration of relics flows naturally from this understanding of time and eternity. Relics are not honored as historical curiosities or sentimental connections to the past. They are revered as tangible witnesses to the reality of resurrection and the transformation of the human person through union with Christ. Orthodox Christianity affirms that salvation involves the whole person, body and soul. The saints are not disembodied spirits awaiting redemption but glorified members of Christ's body whose lives testify to the sanctification of creation itself. Relics bear witness to this truth by proclaiming that holiness is not abstract or purely spiritual but leaves its mark on the physical world. The sixth segment is: Relics and Sacred Space. The placement of relics within Orthodox churches further reinforces their theological significance. Altars are traditionally consecrated with relics, reflecting the early Christian practice of celebrating the Eucharist over the graves of martyrs. This practice proclaims that the Church's worship is inseparable from the witness of those who have already finished the race. Relics also sanctify sacred space by declaring that heaven and earth meet within the Church. They remind the faithful that death has been defeated and that the resurrection is not merely a future hope but an already unfolding reality. Through the presence of relics, the Church visibly confesses its belief in the ultimate restoration of creation and the bodily resurrection of the faithful. In Conclusion. The transcendent nature of Orthodox worship and the veneration of relics together offer a vision of faith rooted in participation rather than observation. The sacred rites of the Church are not educational tools designed to convey information about God. They are encounters with God Himself, drawing believers into communion with Christ, the saints, and the heavenly host. In Orthodox Christianity, worship is not confined to the flow of ordinary time. It is an entry into eternity, a foretaste of the age to come. Through the Divine Liturgy, the Eucharist, and the veneration of relics, the faithful are invited to step beyond the limits of the temporal world and into the living reality of God's kingdom, where death is overcome and worship never ends. For further study, consider these Discussion Questions. How does the Orthodox understanding of worship as participation in eternity challenge modern assumptions that worship is primarily symbolic or commemorative? In what ways does the distinction between chronos and kairos help explain how the Divine Liturgy brings past, present, and future together in a single act

What has God prepared for eternity? Pastor Doug continues his study in Revelation 21, revealing the hope of a new heaven, a new earth, and a future where God dwells with His people. Discover the promise of all things being made new and the eternal hope found in Christ.

Title: A Song for The Repentant Text: Psalm 51 FCF: We often struggle knowing the depth of our sin and our hope only in God for mercy. Prop: Because God alone is the only hope for sinners, we, being sinners, must seek Him alone. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to Psalm 51. In a moment we'll read the psalm from the Legacy Standard Bible. You can follow along in the pew bible on page 629 or in whatever version you prefer. One Puritan writer compared the preparation and delivery of a sermon on Sunday as the preacher going to the market and grocery shopping for the congregation. He provides the raw materials for the flock to prepare for themselves spiritual meals for the remainder of the week. I have found this illustration to be accurate. For the last nine months we've been eating from one particular diet together. But sometimes it is good to take a break from the normal and shop in different aisles of the store. As a pastor I am commanded to preach the whole counsel of God's Word. And so, for the next three weeks we'll get some variety to our spiritual diet. Today, we will approach a rather well-known but theologically rich and incredibly relevant psalm. Psalm 51. Please stand with me to give honor to and to focus on the Word of God as it is read. Invocation: Holy and infinite God, you are unlike all that is in Your creation. You are perfect and pure. You are right and just in all Your ways. Yet we are sinners. We fall short, miss the mark, and transgress Your ways. Yet You are merciful none the less. You are kind and gracious. You have made provision to forgive and to restore those who are broken and contrite. You have made a way for the repentant to be set free. I pray that You would help us to see, through the anguish of the psalmist, the path to mercy and forgiveness. I pray that you would help us to understand how repentance is not only the first word of the gospel but is the path to receiving mercy from You. Teach us in this song Lord, we pray this in Jesus' name, Amen. Transition: [Slide 2] “When we truly comprehend our own nature, repentance is no dry doctrine, no frightening message, no morbid form of self-flagellation. It is, as the early church fathers said, a gift God grants which leads to life.” Charles Coleson [Slide 3] “Every man feels more comfort and spiritual joy after true repentance for a sin than he had in that innocence before he committed the sin.” John Donne “Real repentance produces confession and forsaking of sin, reconciliation and restitution, separation from the world, submission to the lordship of Christ and filling of the Holy Spirit.” Vance Havner [Slide 4] “Upon the two hinges of faith and repentance do all the promises of the Bible hang.” George Swinnock “The grief of repentance is never loss in any way; not to experience this grief, that is loss indeed.” R.C.H. Lenski Let these words wash our minds to prepare us for the exposition of this psalm this morning. I.) God alone is the only hope for sinners, we must confess the depth of our sin and look to God for cleansing and a restored relationship to Him. (title – 5) a. [Slide 5] For the choir director. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. i. Scholars agree that although the titles of the psalms are very old, they are not original to the text of the psalm itself. ii. Although not inspired by God, they still can serve as a contextual commentary for the occasion of the psalm by an ancient commentator. iii. We should read this title then, as we might read the writings of Polycarp, Irenaeus, or Clement of Rome. iv. With those caveats, there really is no reason to doubt the title given to Psalm 51. v. Everything in the psalm seems to fit the context described which occurs in 2 Samuel 11 and 12. vi. After Nathan the prophet comes and confronts David for his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband Uriah the Hittite, David realizes his sin and repents. vii. What is noteworthy however, is the personal nature of the repentance voiced in this psalm but knowing that David submitted this into the psalter for all of Israel to sing. viii. Most often we don't think of personal repentance as something that is public. In fact, due to shame we wish it to be private. Indeed, David tried to hide his sin with Bathsheba by killing her husband. ix. But now David makes his repentance public to all of Israel. Why? x. Two reasons. First, his sin had become public. And second, he is the King of Israel. That is what leaders do. xi. So now, let us explore this song for the repentant. b. [Slide 6] 1 - Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the abundance of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. i. David begins his song of contrition, with a plea for God to be gracious. ii. That God would give him favor and compassion that is consistent with His loyal love. iii. The word “lovingkindness” is one of the most important words in the Old Testament. It is used almost 250 times and each time there is some difficulty bringing it into English. Why? Because it has many ideas rolled into it. 1. There is the aspect of covenant loyalty where there have been promises made to be loyal. 2. Faithfulness 3. Love 4. Goodness 5. Graciousness 6. Kindness 7. All of these are bound into this word. Therefore, it is difficult to come up with a good English word to encapsulate all of it. 8. Lovingkindness is often used, I think I prefer Loyal love. iv. In any case, David pleads with God to be gracious to him in a way that is consistent with that covenant love and faithfulness that God has. v. We can understand even more about this as David writes the second half of this verse. vi. In the psalms there are often relationships between phrases. The second phrase can reword, explain, expand on, or be set in contrast to the previous phrase. vii. David's second phrase here helps us to understand what God dealing according to His loyal love would look like. viii. It is according to God's abundant compassion, and the graciousness he desires of God is specifically to blot out his transgressions. ix. Blotting out here means to forgive but it carries with it a destructive or punitive component. To blot something out means ink must be scrapped off the page or the tablet record must be smashed. c. [Slide 7] 2 - Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. i. David continues begging God to wash and cleanse him. ii. David wants to be free of the sin he has committed. iii. And notice that David has used three different words to describe his failure. Why? iv. Iniquity, transgression, and sin are different words that when combined together serve to paint the whole picture of sinfulness. Whether it is a minor misstep or outright rebellion, whether it is accidental or purposeful, the full scope of sin is encompassed with these three Hebrew words. v. But why does David desire to be washed? d. [Slide 8] 3 - For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. i. He is fully aware of his failures. ii. He knows them, why? Because they are ever before him. iii. He is haunted by what he has done. e. [Slide 9] 4 - Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, i. Is David's statement here true? ii. In one sense it isn't. He certainly sinned against Uriah, whom he had murdered. He certainly sinned against Bathsheba with whom he fornicated. He certainly sinned against the people of Israel by failing them as their King. iii. But in a very real sense, every sin is ultimately against God. And sinning against God is far more egregious than sinning against another human being. iv. David's statement here is not to excuse himself from the hurt he caused others… rather, it is to recognize that ultimately his sin against others is a sin against God first. v. He has done evil. vi. In fact, sins against other humans can easily be dismissed. We often justify our sins against others because they deserve it. It is a twisted sense of justice that we come up with. vii. But when all sins are against God – who never earns our sins against Him… we are without hope for justification. viii. And that is what David goes to next. f. [Slide 10] so that You are justified when You speak and pure when You judge. i. David confesses that God is right to speak against him and to judge him. ii. There is no shadow of doubt in David's mind… God can and should punish him for his sin. iii. And then David says something even more astounding. g. [Slide 11] 5 - Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. i. Some have tried to interpret this verse to say that David is confessing that he was conceived as a result of some adulterous or sexually immoral behavior by his mother. ii. Although grammatically that is possible, there is no justification contextually to interpret the verse this way. iii. It is just as grammatically possible that David is talking about his own sinful condition and its origin. iv. David has been begging for God's gracious and loyal love, recognizing his own sin and even saying that God is just to judge him. v. If David was conceived by an act of sin, that is his mother and father's sin… not his. And that has no real bearing on what he is saying in the psalm so far. vi. The only real possible interpretation, which is almost universally accepted by Old Testament scholars, is that David is talking about his own sinful condition and when it infected him. vii. Now I won't say that this verse outright teaches the doctrine of original sin – but it certainly accords with it. What is the doctrine of original sin? viii. [Slide 12-16] Turn with me to Romans 5 and we will read not just verse 12 which is the supposed proof text of this doctrine… but let us read 12 through 21. 1. The doctrine of original sin is important (though it is under attack today) primarily because Paul sets Adam and Jesus up as two representatives. Jesus is actually called the last Adam by Paul in 1 Corinthians. 2. He specifically calls Adam a Type of Christ. Meaning that what Adam has done is like what Christ has done. It is actually what we'd call an anti-type. 3. Just as Jesus secures life, righteousness, and acceptance from God, our former representative Adam doomed us to death, sin, and condemnation from God. 4. It is by Adam's failure that all men die, inherit a sin nature, and are condemned before God earning His wrath. And this is all before they ever commit a sin themselves. 5. Paul says that though the law had not yet come to reveal sin, men still died… why? Because they were sinners already even if they didn't know they had committed sins against God. 6. Paul says in Ephesians that we are children of wrath… by nature. Naturally. We are born that way. 7. It has been expressed this way, “We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners.” 8. This is the doctrine of original sin. And what David says here is right in line with that doctrine. ix. [Slide 17] At his very conception… he was ALREADY a sinner. At his birth he was brought forth in iniquity. Before David ever committed any sin willfully, he was already a sinner in his heart. x. This serves as further proof that God is just and pure to judge him for his sin. xi. David does not see his sin with Bathsheba and against Uriah as a rare blemish in a long history of otherwise righteous behavior. Instead, he confesses, that this sin was borne out of his very nature. h. [Slide 18] Summary of the Point: As a song for the repentant this psalm focuses on one primary truth. And that is that God alone is the only hope for sinners. In the opening stanza, David explains why that is. Why is God alone the only hope for sinners? Because we are all sinners by nature. The depth of our sin is great and the stain of sin is impossible for us to remove. And worse still, every sin is ultimately a sin against The Creator and Judge of the universe. He will rule in justice. He will never pardon the guilty. In that economy, in that legal climate to where else can we run than to the judge? Indeed, we must confess our sinfulness before God and seek Him alone for mercy and to cleanse us and to restore us to a proper relationship with Him. [Slide 19 (blank)] Transition: But what is the solution to David's problem? II.) God alone is the only hope for sinners, we must seek God for a change from the inside out. (6-12) a. [Slide 20] 6 - Behold, You delight in truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. i. Now David moves to the solution of his sin problem. ii. Although he is a sinner by nature, he knows that God delights in the innermost person. Who we are inside. But David has already said that who he is naturally, inside, is a sinner. iii. So, if God is to grant mercy and restore the relationship, God must act in his innermost being and must give him truth and wisdom. iv. David isn't going to find it on his own. b. [Slide 21] 7 - Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. i. David speaks now of a cleansing. ii. Hyssop is a plant used in ritual cleansing ceremonies performed by the priest. It would be dipped in the blood of the sacrifice and sprinkled on things and people to make them ritually pure. iii. David is asking for God, as his priest, to spiritually, morally, cleanse him and make him cleaner, purer, and whiter than he has ever been. To truly make him righteous. c. [Slide 22] 8 - Make me to hear joy and gladness, let the bones which You have crushed rejoice. i. Daivd begs for joy and gladness even from the same bones which God has crushed in shame and guilt. ii. David desires to be free of the anguish of sinning against God. iii. He wants to be vindicated. He doesn't want this sin to be synonymous with him any longer. d. [Slide 23] 9 - Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. i. Most often in the Old Testament, God hiding his face is a bad thing. ii. Here, however, David doesn't want God to look on his sin. iii. He wants it ignored, gone, separated, expiated, atoned for. e. [Slide 24] 10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. i. David asks God to give him a new heart. One that is clean. ii. To actually create (not recreate) a new heart within him. iii. We see striking similarity to David's plea and God's promises concerning the new covenant where he will give a new heart of flesh to those whom He is saving. iv. David then asks for a steadfast spirit. A spirit that is able to endure temptation again and choose righteousness. f. [Slide 25] 11 - Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. i. As we saw in 2 Thessalonians, no one can truly go out from the presence of God. Why? Because God is everywhere and He is every when. ii. But, to be cast from His “face” presence, which is the Hebrew word here, is to be put away from his favor and his compassion. iii. Disagreement abounds on how the Holy Spirit interacted with Old Testament saints. Did He merely come upon them? Did He regenerate them? Did He indwell them? iv. We certainly do know that the Spirit came upon Old Testament people to empower them to do things. Much like the Holy Spirit fell upon people in the New Testament to produce sign gifts. v. And this could, perhaps, be what David is referring to. He doesn't want the Spirit to be taken from him as the King of Israel. vi. However, we could see this as hyperbolic language where David is basically asking that the Spirit not be grieved. vii. We have already said that the presence referred to previously is the benevolent presence of God. So, taking the Spirit away could simply mean, grieving Him or experiencing a dryness or farness from God's presence. viii. In any case, David's plea, really, is to return to a right relationship with God. ix. And that is what he says next. g. [Slide 26] 12 - Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. i. David wants to go back to the days when he rested in the joy of God's deliverance and saving grace. ii. He wants God to give him a spirit which desires to obey God, and that obedience to God will be what sustains him. iii. David wants to walk in right standing with God. iv. Such is the desire of all who are truly repentant. h. [Slide 27] Summary of the Point: This song of repentance shows us that God alone is the only hope for sinners. So not only does David seek God to cleanse him from sin, but He seeks God to change him from the inside out. He seeks God to make him a new creation. He seeks God to help him to never be this way again. We too must seek God to change us. Transition: [Slide 28 (blank)] The repentant heart does not just want to be washed, restored, and changed. A repentant heart also wants to warn others who might fall into the same traps. III.) God alone is the only hope for sinners, we must teach sinners of Him and His ways. (13) a. [Slide 29] 13 - Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You. i. David moves on to the result of the restoration of his relationship with God. ii. Only when he is restored will he be able to teach others who are sinners God's ways both by command and demonstration. iii. Only when he is free from these things will he be able to instruct others of God's ways and see them convert to following God. iv. David sees his relationship with God as the foundation of his evangelistic efforts. b. [Slide 30] Summary of the Point: David is beginning to widen his focus. He begins with God, expands to himself and God, and now he expands to himself and God and others who are sinners and do not worship God. David recognizes that after his restoration he can once again turn to sinners and point them to God. He has just come to God for mercy. He can point them there also. We too must teach by command and example that sinners must seek God alone for mercy and forgiveness. [Slide 31 (blank)] Transition: But there is yet another aspect of his life that has been affected by his sin. David must now seek deliverance so that he can properly worship God. IV.) God alone is the only hope for sinners, we must be repentant of sin if we are to worship God. (14-17) a. [Slide 32] 14 - Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. i. Worship of God is harmed by his status. ii. He is guilty of murder. iii. Although there are no external standards set for worshipping God, our sin makes us unworthy to worship Him. This is why a sacrifice was required for the Israelites and this is one of the reasons Jesus had to die. So that an atonement could be made for us so we could be brought near to God. iv. David reveals that only when he is delivered from murder can he sing, joyfully, about God's laws and righteousness. b. [Slide 33] 15 - O Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise. i. With guilt and shame, we are often chased into silence. We hang our heads and we close our mouths. ii. With guilt comes great sorrow and despair. iii. David asks the Lord to open his mouth so that he can worship Him and praise Him. Why? iv. Because when we sin against Him, praising Him is far from our minds. v. When you feel like a wretch you feel unworthy to speak to Him, let alone sing to Him. vi. But God again is the one David turns to. Though God is the one offended, David again turns to the One He offended for help to praise Him. c. [Slide 34] 16 - For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. 17 - The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. i. A sacrifice is required to worship God, to bridge the gap between sinners and a Holy God we need a sacrifice. ii. However, ritual sacrifices without true repentance is repugnant to God. iii. Mere confession of truth and belief in a Savior without genuine repentance and obedience is equally as repugnant to God. iv. The real sacrifice, or might we say, the effective sacrifice is one that brings a broken spirit and contrite heart over sins committed. v. A person who comes in this way, God will surely show mercy to. d. [Slide 35] Summary of the Point: David is relentless. God is the only hope for him. He recognizes his murder guilt. He knows that only God can deliver him from it. And until God does, he is not able to sing in joy or praise to Him. David would gladly offer every sacrifice under the sun to rid himself of his shame – but a broken spirit and contrite heart is the sacrifice that is necessary. And that is what he has come with. For us also, if we are to worship God properly, we must be continually repentant of sin. Transition: [Slide 36 (blank)] The final two verses widen David's focus to all of God's people. V.) God alone is the only hope for sinners, we must trust the Lord that He will one day gather His people together to worship Him perfectly, forever. (18-19) a. [Slide 37] 18 - By Your favor do good to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. i. David now expands even further his view to the people of God. ii. He has seen how his sin has alienated him from God. iii. He has seen how his sin prevents him from speaking to sinners about the Lord. iv. He has seen how his sin prevents him from worshipping God. v. But now he sees how his sin has affected all of Israel. vi. He asks God to be favorable and gracious to Zion, and to build the walls of Jerusalem. vii. Zion is often interchangeable with Jerusalem but definitely has an eschatological, new Kingdom layer to its meaning as well. viii. Zion is not simply the physical city of Jerusalem it represents the future hope of a future kingdom governed from a future version of Jerusalem that is perfect. ix. Zion speaks not just of the kingdom itself but to its holy citizens. x. We know that David is referencing this future Kingdom because at this time the walls of Jerusalem were already built. They don't need to be rebuilt. xi. David asks that God fulfills his promises to His people. b. [Slide 38] 19 - Then You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then young bulls will be offered on Your altar. i. There are a few points we need to see in his final statement here. ii. When this future Zion comes, this perfect Kingdom that God has promised His people, at that time God will delight in righteous sacrifices. iii. Righteous sacrifices is an interesting term. Before he said that God doesn't delight in sacrifices and that His sacrifices were a broken spirit and contrite heart. iv. But in this new Kingdom, God delights in sacrifices that are up to the standard that God has set. They are perfect. They are complete. v. And God will delight in righteous burnt offerings where all that was acceptable was completely burnt up. vi. Furthermore, at that time, young bulls will be offered on His altar. vii. What is this saying? viii. I think we could at very least say that at this time the sacrifices will be perfect and they will be filled with thanksgiving and peace with God. ix. But I think we could take this even further to suggest that David is looking ahead to a time when sacrifices are no longer performed to deal with sin. x. Perhaps David looks ahead to a time when sacrifices mean something completely different. Looking back… instead of looking forward. c. [Slide 39] Summary of the Point: A song for the repentant ends with a look to the future, which is what all repentant people should look to. We trust the promises of God that He is near to the contrite. We don't dwell on our past failures, but we continue to turn from them and to what God commands of us. God alone is the only hope for sinners. And Christ died for sinners. So, we look and trust in the promises of God through His Son that one day He will return and bring us into His Kingdom… forever. Conclusion: So CBC, what have we learned today that refines our beliefs and guides our lifestyles. Basics of Faith and Practice: [Slide 40] After Nathan confronts David and exposes his sin, David is cut to the heart. This song he has written after those events, are no doubt an accurate representation of his pleas to God for restoration. Entering this song into the psalter, David invites all of God's people to worship the Lord with a song of repentance. A song of contrition. For that is what repentance is. It is an act of worship. It is an act of faithfulness to God. Turning from sin and to God is the first word of the gospel that Jesus proclaimed. And this song is a paradigm, a template, a pattern for all who would repent of their sin and turn to God. It could be a wrote prayer we pray to God concerning our own sins. It could be a song we sing in our heart as we seek the Lord for restoration. Psalm 51 is a gift to us from a broken man. We too must be broken and repentant. We must seek God alone, because he is the only one who can help sinners in their plight. And we must seek Him to forgive, restore, and bring us safely to His Kingdom. But let's get a little more specific on what this psalm teaches us. 1.) [Slide 41] Mind Transformation: “What truth must we believe from this text?” or “What might we not naturally believe that we must believe because of what this text has said?” We must affirm that God alone is the only hope for sinners. a. Why is this true? Why must we affirm this? b. Let's start where David started. c. God alone is the only hope for sinners because He alone is gracious, compassionate, and loyally loving. i. God is able to cleanse and deliver us. ii. God is concerned about our inmost parts and who we are at our very core. Not just our thoughts and emotions, not just our bodies, but our very souls. iii. God as our Creator knows us better than we know ourselves. He formed us and shaped us in the womb. He has fearfully and wonderfully made us. iv. God can create new hearts. He can create a new steadfast spirit in us. v. God can sustain us. God gives favor, love, grace, kindness, goodness, and salvation. d. But this only tells us that God is the best hope for sinners. Why must we conclude that God is the ONLY hope for sinners? i. Because all mankind are sinners by nature. All mankind are children of wrath by nature. ii. All men, through Adam, inherit death, condemnation, and sin. iii. God is right to judge every single human ever born who are born with Adam as their representative, because through Adam, all men inherit this sin status before God. iv. And regardless of what men do in this life… they begin as sinners. And because they are sinners… they will… indeed, they must… sin. v. Sinners cannot save themselves. They cannot work hard enough to restore a relationship with God on their own. vi. David even said that if there was a sacrifice that God would have accepted, he would have given it. But God desired a broken spirit and a contrite heart. vii. God desires all of us to come to that one conclusion – that we are hopeless without Him. e. All sinners have only one hope. And it is God. f. That is awkward… why? g. Because God stands in judgment over them as a righteous judge. h. But this just illustrates the desperate condition of sinners. We are so hard up for help that our only recourse… is to ask the judge who just sentenced us… the judge who wrote the law we broke… for mercy. i. It is a good thing… He is near to the contrite.

Sunday Service | A teaching on Psalm 24 with Pastor Josh BlackVictory Calvary Chapel is a church in Menifee, California. We gather for Jesus, to worship Him, to follow Him, and represent Him wherever we go. To learn more, visit us at www.victorycc.com.

Auto Transcript Note: This transcript and summary was autogenerated. It has not yet been proofread or edited by a human. Summary We are called to reckon seriously with the reality of final judgment as described in Revelation 20:11-15. This passage teaches us that judgment is not a matter of *if* but *when*, and that every […] The post The Great Judgment Before the Eternal Kingdom appeared first on Calvary Community Church.

Hope Presbyterian Church is a new church in New Braunfels, TX, seeking to take the good news of Jesus Christ to this historic and growing city. We meet every Sunday at 10 at New Braunfels Christian Academy, 995 Mission Hills Drive, New Braunfels 78130. Come join us!

Hope Presbyterian Church is a new church in New Braunfels, TX, seeking to take the good news of Jesus Christ to this historic and growing city. We meet every Sunday at 10 at New Braunfels Christian Academy, 995 Mission Hills Drive, New Braunfels 78130. Come join us!

So many people today feel the uncertainty of our chaotic world caused by wars, economic volatility, political strife, and concerns for the future. But here's the good news: God has not left us in the dark. In His Word, He has given us a clear, detailed timeline of future events so we can navigate these last days with unshakable hope and divine purpose. I often say: "Bible prophecy was not given to scare us, but to prepare us." From this present time, all the way to the Eternal Kingdom, Scripture lays out exactly what's coming next.Key Scriptures used in today's teaching: Matthew 24:3-8Other Scriptures referenced: Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Jeremiah 30:7; Matthew 24:21-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 16:16; Zechariah 14:3-5; Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 20:4-5; Revelation 20:7-10; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:1-5; Romans 10:13Unless stated otherwise, most Scripture is read from the New Living Translation (NLT) Bible.If you prayed with Tiff, click here https://lostlamb.org/ and let him know!  Be sure to check out the playlist “New Beginnings” - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsX8E19Azl58_FjxELPxjnsL8CAtmama4Thank you for listening, and subscribe for new content each week. 
Connect with Tiff Shuttlesworth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LostLambAssociation/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffshuttlesworth/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiffshuttleswor Learn more about my ministry: https://lostlamb.org/ Learn more about my ministry in Canada: https://www.lostlamb.ca

Read OnlineHeralds of the GospelJesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.” Matthew 10:16–18No one is naturally drawn to persecution. We flee from it. We are made for communion with one another. In Heaven, and in the New Heavens and New Earth at the end of time, our eternal experience will be of peace, unity, and solidarity with all as we jointly gaze upon and adore the Beatific Vision of the King of the Universe.Today, however, the kingdom of darkness retains a great hold on this fallen world. War, violence, injustice, and divisions of every kind affect families, communities, and nations because hostility is much easier to achieve than the peace and harmony that Christ seeks to establish through the inauguration of His Kingdom.One of the surest ways to avoid persecution is to stand for nothing. Those who hold no moral convictions or remain silent about the truths of the faith are unlikely to draw the world's wrath. But those who speak with clarity and charity about the eternal truths of the Gospel often find themselves the object of rejection.This was the reality for which Jesus was preparing the Twelve Apostles. Today's Gospel comes from a lengthy exhortation Jesus delivered to His Twelve as He was sending them out two by two to proclaim the arrival of the Kingdom of God. They were to go forth with courage, rely on divine providence, perform miracles, and prepare the various towns and villages to which they were sent for Jesus' coming.At first, one might think that entering a Jewish town to share the good news that the Messiah had arrived—and was soon coming to them in person—would be met with much rejoicing. However, that's not the reality for which Jesus prepared them. He offers a striking image, saying He is sending the Twelve “like sheep in the midst of wolves.” This evokes both the innocence they were to embody and the hostility they would inevitably face. As sheep, they were to act with meekness, vulnerability, and complete dependence on the Good Shepherd's providence.Today, as our Lord sends us forth to proclaim the Gospel within our families, communities, and world, we should expect nothing other than what the Twelve encountered. For example, those who uphold the Church's moral teachings publicly often provoke strong resistance. Even proclaiming that salvation is found solely through Jesus Christ can lead to hostility. The accusation is frequently made that such beliefs are intolerant or judgmental, when in truth they are rooted in love and fidelity to God's revelation—and in genuine concern for the good of every soul. If we wish to continue Jesus' mission of establishing His Kingdom, we must be prepared for persecution by knowing how to respond to it. Returning hatred for hatred or persecution for persecution is not the Gospel. Instead, we must expect and anticipate hostility when we become messengers of the Truth—and respond with serpent-like shrewdness and dove-like simplicity. We must perceive dangers, avoid traps, and navigate persecution without being naïve. We must also embrace sincerity of heart, freedom from malice, and unwavering peace. Reflect today on whether you are willing to endure hardship for the sake of Christ. Is your heart prepared to speak the truth in love and to receive rejection with peace? Pray for the grace to imitate the Apostles, who went forth not in fear but in trust. Resolve to bring the light of the Gospel into a dark and hostile world with shrewdness, simplicity, fidelity, courage, and meekness, knowing that the Good Shepherd will guide and protect you always, when you act in accord with His perfect will for the mission on which you are sent. Most glorious King, You came to establish Your Kingdom on earth in preparation for the Eternal Kingdom to come. Please send me forth to prepare the way for Your coming—into the hearts of my family and friends, into the wider community, and into every place where You call me to bear witness in the world. May I act with the shrewdness of serpents and the gentleness of doves, with wisdom and humility, as I seek to prepare the way for Your Kingdom of truth and love. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The Apostles by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

HOW CAN I BE A GOOD CITIZEN OF HEAVENWHILE ON EARTH?1) SET YOUR HEART ON THE KINGDOM OF GOD Colossians 3:1-4 NIVIs your heart focused on His Kingdom and will?2) PUT TO DEATH YOUR OLD KINGDOM HABITS Colossians 3:5-8 NIVAre you abstaining from sinfulness and selfishness?3) PUT ON YOUR CHRIST CENTERED SELF Colossians 3:9-11 NIVSpend time daily, renewed in the knowledge of God

Where are your fountains? Are they in material things, physical fitness, relationships, career success, reputation, family name, or personal identity? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reflects on Psalm 87:7 and the joyful confession of every surrendered believer: “All my fountains are in you.” Everything in this world is unstable. Financial markets rise and fall. Friends and family—even Christian friends—may fail us. Titles, reputations, and accomplishments can fade. But the grace of God never fails. The peace Christ purchased at the cross will never run dry because it flows from His inexhaustible fountain of grace. Dr. Youssef explains that true peace means being bound together by the unearned, unmerited love of God. Only His matchless grace can bind a fragmented heart, restore broken relationships, reconcile families and communities, and make believers ambassadors of His eternal Kingdom. Jesus is the Rock of Ages and the source of living water, promising that rivers of living water will flow from within all who believe in Him. When your hope is rooted in Christ alone, you will never run dry. You will become a peacemaker, a messenger of grace, and a true friend to the lost as you share the hope that never disappoints. Prayer: God, I pray that all my fountains would be in You alone. Thank You for Your inexhaustible fountain of grace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you'” (Psalm 87:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Identifying with the Psalmist: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Mission Church of the Nazarene

Mission Church of the Nazarene

Davidic Covenant: One of four primary covenants (Noah, Abraham, Moses, & David) in the OT that are all fulfilled in Jesus and culminate in God blessing all people (new covenant). God promises to take us from every nation, tribe, and tongue, and make us into his own. Our Response: Grateful, humble service to God (a kingdom of priests)Life with God is relational, not transactional. God doesn't need us to ensure his future, nor does he want us to do things for him in exchange for his blessing on our future.

1. The King Who Refuses to Be a Servant. 2. The Kingdom That Fractures. 3. The King Who Secures His Kingdom the Wrong Way. 4. Christ: The Servant King of the Eternal Kingdom.

You asked for it—we delivered! Pastor Jack reads through the entire book of Revelation on this extended episode. Get comfortable and join us for this three-hour, exciting look through the Revelation of Jesus Christ.(00:00) Revelation Explained: The Three Buckets (Past, Present, Future)(08:00) The Seven Churches and the Church Age (Revelation 2–3)(39:00) Heaven Opened: The Throne Room and the Lamb (Revelation 4–5)(1:03:00) Tribulation Begins: Seals, Trumpets, and Global Judgment(1:30:00) Antichrist, False Prophet, and the Mark of the Beast(2:07:00) The Bowl Judgments and the Fall of Babylon(2:28:00) Second Coming, Millennium, and Final Judgment(2:42:00) New Heaven, New Earth, and the Eternal KingdomCONNECT WITH PASTOR JACK:Get Updates via Text:  https://text.whisp.io/jack-hibbs-podcast Website: https://jackhibbs.com/Instagram: http://bit.ly/2FCyXpOFacebook: https://bit.ly/2WZBWV0 YouTube: https://bit.ly/437xMHnTwitter/X: https://x.com/RealJackHibbs CALLED TO TAKE A BOLD STAND:https://boldstand.org/DAZE OF DECEPTION:https://jackhibbs.com/daze-of-deception/ Did you know we have a Real Life Network? Sign up for free today for more exclusive content:https://www.reallifenetwork.com/

On the surface, the account of God calling Abraham to offer Isaac is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible. We can't imagine God actually calling any of His people to do such a thing. But we'll see in today's episode, that when we understand the context of this passage, and what Abraham knew to be true, we'll see that it was an amazing step of faith that actually shows us the kind of faith that God calls us all to. Please join us in this important study in God's Word!  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Using a Bible atlas or online atlas, locate Beersheba on the map to the right. Also, locate the Wilderness of Moriah on the map. What importance does each of these locations have in Genesis 22? 2.    This chapter contains God's command to Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. While we know how the story ends, this would be an unsettling command for anyone to hear. How does the miraculous origin of Isaac's conception help us understand why Abraham was so calm in his obedience to the Lord? How do the words "we" and "return" in verse 5 give us a window into Abraham's mindset as he obeyed the Lord?  3.    In verse 8, Abraham assures Isaac that the Lord will provide a sacrifice. How has Abraham seen the provision of the Lord in his life before this? How have you seen the Lord provide in your life? How might dwelling upon God's prior provision give us strength in times of present distress? 4.    Think about Isaac's age in this passage. Do you think a 120-year-old man could have physically put Isaac on the altar? What would have had to happen in order for Isaac to get on it? How does this likelihood help us understand Isaac's role in this event? 5.    Isaac was Abraham's only link to something and someone. What and Who was Isaac the link to? What kind of faith did Abraham demonstrate by being willing to break this link, if that was to be the Lord's will? 6.    This passage also gives us a picture of the substitutionary death of Christ. How? What did God's substitute mean for Isaac? What does Christ's substitute mean for us? 7.    Verses 16 to 18 contain one of the most important promises in the Old Testament regarding who the offspring of Abraham are. Who are the "four seeds" suggested in the lesson? Which ones will be in God's Eternal Kingdom? Why? Are you among the believing seed spoken of in these verses? 8.    Genesis 22 shows the kind of faith that this new nation would be founded upon. How would you summarize Abraham's faith and obedience from this event? Where does this kind of faith come from? 9.    Are there any situations in your life where you simply need to trust and obey God as Abraham did here? Are you able to trust and obey Him? Why or why not?  10.    Have you ever sung the children's song, "Father Abraham"? It says that he had many sons. In light of what the lesson has taught about this passage, who are those sons? When the song says, "I am one of them, and so are you," what does that mean? Is that true of you? Why or why not? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Welcome to Faith Family! Thank you for joining us. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Speaker: David Sullivan Title: God's Zeal for His Eternal Kingdom Scripture: Isaiah 9:7 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ CCLI Streaming License #20175583 CCLI Copyright License #350917

1 Chronicles 17:1-15

Eternal Kingdom Mentality - with Carry Gillis

Main Idea: David struggles to restore a broken kingdom, but Jesus establishes the true and everlasting kingdom.

Dr. Daniel Ragusa speaks at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference, held at Lakeland Church in Gurnee, Illinois on September 27, 2025.  Dr. Ragusa, focuses on the dark period of Israel's exile and how it illuminates the deep human longing to return to God's presence, which had been lost due to their rebellion. Dr. Ragusa first establishes the devastating nature of exile by contrasting it with the desired state of dwelling in God's house, a theme illustrated by the pilgrimage described in Psalm 23. He references the Heidelberg Catechism to frame the Christian experience as moving from the "valley of exile" (sin and misery) up to the "mountain of God" (righteousness and everlasting life) through the work of the "mountain ascending mediator," Jesus Christ. Crucially, even in the midst of the exile's darkness, God's hope continues to shine through the prophets, promising restoration, which is ultimately fulfilled in the gospel and glory of Jesus Christ. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Introduction: Reformed Forum Conference and Speaker/Topic (The Son in Exile: Christ as the Hope of Restoration) 00:00:23 - Speaker's Greeting and Connection to Redemptive Historical Thinking 00:01:31 - Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 19: Jesus Christ as Deliverer from Exile and Misery 00:01:54 - The Catechism and the Mountain Theme: From the Valley of Exile to the Mountain of God 00:03:03 - The Redemptive Historical Approach in the Catechism (Gospel revealed in paradise, proclaimed by prophets, fulfilled in Christ) 00:03:54 - The Dark Period of Israel: Rebellion and the Curses of the Covenant (Exile) 00:04:49 - Hope in the Darkness: God Gives His Word Through Prophets (Ezekiel and Daniel) 00:05:40 - Understanding the Devastation of Exile: What God's People Lost 00:06:06 - The Covenant of Grace: The Longing to be Near God and "Coming Home" * 00:07:05 - The Pilgrimage of Psalm 23: Desiring to Dwell in the House of the Lord * 00:09:17 - Exile as the Devastating Reverse of Dwelling in God's House 00:09:50 - Definition of Exile (Dr. Ian Duguid): Longing for an unreachable home 00:11:18 - Tracing Exile to the Beginning: Adam's Fall and the First Exile 00:14:43 - The Deeper Protestant Conception of Exile: The Estrangement of Man's Heart Before God 00:17:47 - Restoration is the New Birth and Resurrection to Life in Christ 00:19:10 - True Restoration: The Holy Spirit Circumcises and Infuses New Qualities in the Will 00:29:50 - King David's Restoration from Exile (As a type of waiting on the Lord) 00:37:35 - Daniel's Vision: The Son of Man Receives the Kingdom and Restores God's People 00:38:58 - Christ Identifies with the People's Exile: His Baptism for Repentance 00:40:33 - Christ's Ministry in Galilee: Ministering to Those Who Dwelt Under the Shadow of Death 00:41:48 - Christ's Authority: He Refuses the Earthly Kingdom and Waits for the Father to Give Him All Authority 00:43:29 - Christ's Death and Resurrection: His Exile and His Restoration (Ascension) 00:44:51 - Conclusion: The Church in Exile Today and the Full Entrance into the Eternal Kingdom 00:47:33 - Out of Exile into Our Father's Home

Тайна Божьего замысла / The Mystery of God's PlanДаниил 2:25-49Даниил 4I. Природа тайны / The Nature of the Mystery A. Чья эта тайна? / Whose Mystery is it? B. О чём эта тайна? / What is this Mystery About? C. Для чего открыта тайна? / Why was the Mystery Revealed? II. Описание тайны / The Description of the Mystery III. Объяснения тайны / The Explanation of the Mystery A. Золотое царство / The Golden Kingdom B. Серебряное царство / The Silver Kingdom C. Медное царство / The Bronze Kingdom D. Железное царство / The Iron Kingdom E. Вечное царство / The Eternal Kingdom IV. Действенность тайны / The Effectiveness of the Mystery

Suffering King Series | September 14th, 2025 | Pastor Keith Harrington

Suffering King Series | September 7th, 2025 | Pastor Keith Harrington

Suffering King Series | August 31st, 2025 | Pastor Keith Harrington

Pastor Jim Osman explores how Peter became an eyewitness to majesty during Christ's Transfiguration, using this divine encounter to refute false teachers who denied the second coming. In 2 Peter 1:16-18, the apostle defends Christ's return through personal eyewitness testimony and Old Testament prophetic revelation. The Transfiguration in Matthew 17 provided Peter, James, and John with a preview of Christ's kingdom glory. Therefore, when false teachers claimed Christ's return was merely "cleverly devised myths," Peter responded as eyewitnesses to majesty who personally witnessed the divine glory accompanying His second coming. Furthermore, this eyewitness account encourages believers that they will share Christ's glory while warning unbelievers of coming judgment. The Christian faith rests not on fabricated stories but on reliable eyewitnesses to majesty who recorded what they experienced. Consequently, Peter's testimony provides unshakeable evidence that Christ will return in power and glory. ★ Support this podcast ★

Simon Pranaitis calls believers to be faithful stewards as he explores money's role throughout Revelation's prophetic timeline. Revelation teaches that money cannot protect anyone from God's judgment, yet it can be redeemed for His glory in the eternal kingdom. During tribulation, the wealthy find no refuge from divine wrath, while believers face economic persecution. However, faithful stewards can anticipate Christ's millennial kingdom where resurrected saints reign with perfect government and abundant prosperity.The eternal kingdom reveals nations bringing treasures into New Jerusalem, demonstrating how faithful stewards participate in God's ultimate plan. This prophetic vision transforms how faithful stewards approach finances today in a world marked by both poverty and excess. Understanding this eternal perspective helps faithful stewards live with joyful anticipation, knowing God reigns forever and believers reign with Him in the coming kingdom where all things are restored according to His perfect design. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Bible Story, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refuse to worship the statue Nebuchadnezzar set up, and are thrown into the fire as punishment. The flames rage but they are unharmed. The Lord protects them, and Nebuchadnezzar awes at the power of their God. This story is inspired by Daniel 3. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Daniel 3:25 from the King James Version.Episode 164: Nebuchadnezzar, filled with ego, built a statue like the one in his dream. But this one was made entirely of gold, a representation of his kingdom being eternal and rejection of what God said would happen. He ordered all the men of Babylon to gather and bow down to the statue. However, there were three men in the crowd who would not. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three were thrown into the fire for their testimony and refusal to bow. But God did not abandon them. Instead, He used this as a prime opportunity to show Nebuchadnezzar and the whole kingdom of Babylon His power. In response it was they who bowed to Him.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel 2 opens with a restless king and a chaotic court, yet it delivers a powerful message of hope: “There is a God in heaven.” The focus shifts in chapter two from Daniel's faith to God's sovereignty over nations and history. The dream of the Pentametal Man and the stone that shatters it illustrates the rise and fall of empires and the establishment of God's Eternal Kingdom. At the core is the truth: when the world trembles and human wisdom fails, there is a God in heaven.

Friends of the Rosary,In today's reading (John 17:1–11a), we see Jesus praying to the Father.“I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them.”In Christ, heaven and earth, God and humanity, came together.By healing the sick and setting the pathway for mercy and forgiveness, He brought God's will.He carried divine light into the darkness of humanity's sins — hatred, violence, corruption, cruelty, arrogance, and immorality. He taught through His sorrowful passion that darkness is not the most powerful force on earth. Divine merciful love is.The proof that the Eternal Kingdom has dominion over the visible and the invisible is the Resurrection.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠June 3, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Revelation 21:1-22:5 1. He Makes All Things New (21:1-8) a. A New Dwelling (1-3) b. A New Demeanor (4) c. A New Drink (6) 2. He Makes All Things Beautiful (21:9-21) 3. He Makes All Things Glorious (21:22-22:5)

Get the YDP Life Application Guide for the APR., MAY, JUN., 2025's Lesson titled, "How to Study Bible Prophecy (Allusions, Images, Symbols)." https://amzn.to/4iBLQRWBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/your-daily-portion-with-l-david-harris--2912188/support.

Today's Promise: Philippians 3:20 In this episode, we look at six things God says about heaven. As a Christian, you need never worry about "if" you will go to heaven. Through faith in Christ, you have the promise that when you close your eyes in death, you will open them in the presence of God. As citizens of heaven, we live in this world differently. We know that it is just a temporary place before we spend eternity in heaven.

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.Part I (00:13 - 08:00)‘We Pray to Achieve a Future That Reflects the Truth, Beauty, and Goodness of Christ's Eternal Kingdom in Heaven': The Unprecedented White House Statement on Holy WeekPresidential Message on Holy Week, 2025 by The White House (President Donald J. Trump)Part II (08:00 - 14:52)Scrapping Easter for ‘Inclusivity'? A Secular Society Eventually Reverts to PaganismPrimary school scraps Easter service to ‘respect' other religions by The TelegraphPart III (14:52 - 22:10)Our Young Adults Need ‘Adulting Classes' Now? We are Failing at the Task of Helping Young People Grow into AdulthoodToo many adults are absolutely clueless by The EconomistPart IV (22:10 - 25:11)A Deadly Helicopter Crash: In the Wake of Tragedy We Seek Answers, Real Answers, and That's Revealing In ItselfPart V (25:11 - 27:09)A Much Needed Word for Pastors and Parents of Teenage Boys and Young Men: Why I Released a Special Edition of The Briefing on the Problem of SextortionThe Problem of Sextortion: A Message for Parents and Pastors of Teenage Boys and Young Men by The BriefingSign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

You see God's plan, His vision, is and always has been, to prepare a people for himself in the midst of whom he can dwell. Every aspect of our character, our spiritual formation if you will, contributes to that ultimate goal, that ultimate vision. Jesus is planning on riding through the gates of your life. So ,your renovation matters. Not just be cause it makes your life better. Not just because it benefits the people around you. It matters because you are a part of God's city, God's temple, God's people God's kingdom, that He is building for all eternity.  So, when you work to develop a deeper prayer life it matters for God's Eternal Kingdom. When you work on getting deeper into community or being reshaped by the word, it matters for God's Eternal Kingdom. When you seek to make every aspect of your life an act of worship doing everything in the name of Jesus for the glory of God, it matters for God's Eternal Kingdom. When you care for the vulnerable, put others first, learn to see the world through the eyes of a child, make space in your life for others, be meek, and humble in spirit, celebrate with joy, interact with goodness, and kindness, and gentleness. Whatever renovation that you feel God calling you into, you can be sure it's not just for your benefit. It's a part of God's grand vision for his Eternal Kingdom, that he might dwell with his people, for all eternity. That's what the renovation is all about.   

“For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.” (2 Samuel 7:12–13 NLT) Charting the rise and fall of empires is not always easy to determine, as there are overlapping or conflicting dates of when nations rise and fall. Generally speaking, though, the Western Roman Empire lasted just over 500 years, from 27 BC to AD 476. The Ottoman Empire lasted 623 years, from 1299 to 1922 (although its remnants can still be found in living rooms throughout the world). The Assyrian Empire, in its different forms, surpassed the millennium mark beginning in 2025 BC through the fall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire in 609 BC, it spanned more than 1,400 years. It’s hard to draw parallels between these empires or to say definitively why some endure longer than others. Some people might say the only real takeaway is that nothing lasts forever. But that’s not true. The passage from 2 Samuel 7 above records the promise God made to David, the king of Israel and “a man after God’s own heart.” God promised David that his kingdom—and that of his son and successor Solomon—would last forever. And it would last forever because their descendant would be the Messiah, the Son of God, who will rule for eternity. Psalm 89:29 offers a similar prophecy: “I will preserve an heir for him; his throne will be as endless as the days of heaven” (NLT). And Isaiah 9:7 says of the Anointed One, or Messiah, “His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (NLT). When you think of all the things that can go wrong in a nation, empire, or kingdom, the idea of one lasting forever seems nearly impossible. But that speaks to the nature of Christ’s kingdom. There will be no divisions, no corruption, no power plays, no dissatisfaction. The Lord will rule, and everyone in His kingdom will joyfully submit to Him. Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (NLT). That brings us to one more point that absolutely must be mentioned. Not only will Christ’s kingdom last forever, so will everyone in it. The apostle Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NLT). Jesus paid those wages when He gave His life on the cross in our place. His sacrifice makes it possible for us to live forever with Him. He said so Himself: “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die” (John 11:25–26 NLT). If you have put your faith in Jesus Christ and have asked Him to forgive you of your sin, the Bible teaches that when you die, you will go immediately into the presence of God in Heaven. That is God’s promise to you. But God promises not only life beyond the grave; He also promises life during life—not just an existence, but a life worth living. Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). That is the hope and promise for all Christians. That is why the believer does not have to be afraid to die. Or afraid to live. Reflection question: How do you know—or how can you know—that you will spend eternity with Christ in His kingdom? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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On the surface, the account of God calling Abraham to offer Isaac is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible. We can't imagine God actually calling any of His people to do such a thing. But we'll see in today's episode, that when we understand the context of this passage, and what Abraham knew to be true, we'll see that it was an amazing step of faith that actually shows us the kind of faith that God calls us all to. Please join us in this important study in God's Word!   DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: Genesis 22 1.    Using a Bible atlas or online atlas, locate Beersheba on the map to the right. Also, locate the Wilderness of Moriah on the map. What importance does each of these locations have in Genesis 22? 2.    This chapter contains God's command to Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. While we know how the story ends, this would be an unsettling command for anyone to hear. How does the miraculous origin of Isaac's conception help us understand why Abraham was so calm in his obedience to the Lord? How do the words “we” and “return” in verse 5 give us a window into Abraham's mindset as he obeyed the Lord?  3.    In verse 8, Abraham assures Isaac that the Lord will provide a sacrifice. How has Abraham seen the provision of the Lord in his life before this? How have you seen the Lord provide in your life? How might dwelling upon God's prior provision give us strength in times of present distress? 4.    Think about Isaac's age in this passage. Do you think a 120-year-old man could have physically put Isaac on the altar? What would have had to happen in order for Isaac to get on it? How does this likelihood help us understand Isaac's role in this event? 5.    Isaac was Abraham's only link to something and someone. What and Who was Isaac the link to? What kind of faith did Abraham demonstrate by being willing to break this link, if that was to be the Lord's will? 6.    This passage also gives us a picture of the substitutionary death of Christ. How? What did God's substitute mean for Isaac? What does Christ's substitute mean for us? 7.    Verses 16 to 18 contain one of the most important promises in the Old Testament regarding who the offspring of Abraham are. Who are the “four seeds” suggested in the lesson? Which ones will be in God's Eternal Kingdom? Why? Are you among the believing seed spoken of in these verses? 8.    Genesis 22 shows the kind of faith that this new nation would be founded upon. How would you summarize Abraham's faith and obedience from this event? Where does this kind of faith come from? 9.    Are there any situations in your life where you simply need to trust and obey God as Abraham did here? Are you able to trust and obey Him? Why or why not?  10.    Have you ever sung the children's song, “Father Abraham”? It says that he had many sons. In light of what the lesson has taught about this passage, who are those sons? When the song says, “I am one of them, and so are you,” what does that mean? Is that true of you? Why or why not? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

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This Christmas message explores the profound truth that the birth of Christ is the ultimate expression of God's love. Through Mary's extraordinary encounter with God, Pastor Matt Petty reveals five transformative truths about divine love: • God's love knows us intimately - even a humble teenage girl in Nazareth • His power manifests in unexpected ways - turning ordinary moments into divine appointments • His mercy extends beyond generations - from Abraham to Mary to us today • He lifts up the humble heart - choosing those the world overlooks • He faithfully keeps every promise - proving that no word from God will ever fail Through Mary's courageous response, we learn that true faith isn't about our worthiness but about saying "yes" to God's love. This message challenges us to move beyond seasonal celebrations to experience the transformative power of divine love that changes everything.